CLAIM OF PRIORITY
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for collecting fluids
during medical procedures and, in particular, to assemblies and systems for collecting
waste fluids during medical procedures.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Biological fluids and other types of medical waste often must be collected during
surgery or other medical procedures. This is typically accomplished using a medical
waste fluid collection cart, which may be part of a medical waste fluid collection
and disposal system (see e.g.
WO 2015/055893 A1,
US 6027 490 A,
EP 2 359 879 A2,
US 6 352 525 B1). Such carts may include at least one suction canister where a vacuum port on the
canister lid is connected to a source of vacuum via a hose or line. As a result, a
vacuum is drawn on the interior of the canister. A second hose or line is connected
to a "patient" suction port on the canister lid and is used to collect medical waste
in the form of fluids and solids from the patient, which is stored in the canister.
The medical waste collected in the canister may be drained through a drain in the
canister. In some instances the drain may become clogged and/or a fluid level float
valve within the canister may become obstructed with solid medical waste (e.g., blood
clots, bone chips, etc.), which may require intervention. After collection, the medical
waste and contaminated collection components, such as canister lids, and the like,
must be disposed of in accordance with rules and regulations imposed by various government
and regulatory organizations.
SUMMARY
[0004] The invention is defined in the appended claims. The disclosure is directed to several
alternative or complementary designs for, materials for, and methods of using, medical
device structures, systems, and assemblies. Although it is noted that conventional
medical waste fluid collection systems exist, there exists a need for improvement
on those devices.
[0005] Accordingly, a medical waste fluid collection system may include a fluid collection
cart, a container, and a lid assembly. The container may include a base enclosing
a bottom end of the container. The base may include a drain opening and an interior
surface that may extend along a ramped path toward the drain opening. The lid assembly
may include a lid ring and a lid capable of removably engaging the lid ring via rotation
of the lid relative to the lid ring. The lid ring may engage one or more of the container
and the fluid collection cart.
[0006] A fluid waste container assembly may be utilized in a medical fluid collection system.
The fluid waste container assembly may include a container, a base, and a lid assembly.
The base may form a bottom for the container. The base may have an interior surface
at least partially defining a drain opening. The lid assembly may provide selective
access to an interior of the container. The container may have a window and a tinting
assembly. The container assembly may have a vacuum level detection system.
[0007] In some cases, the fluid waste container assembly may be a medical waste fluid collection
container assembly. The medical waste fluid collection container assembly may include
a container, a base, and a lid assembly. The base may enclose a first end of the container.
The lid assembly may include a lid ring and a lid capable of engaging the lid ring
via a twist lock mechanism. The lid ring may have a central opening and may engage
a second end of the container. The lid may be configured to cover at least part of
the central opening when engaging the lid ring.
[0008] The above summary of some example aspects is not intended to describe each disclosed
embodiment or every implementation of the claimed disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following
detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings,
in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a medical waste fluid collection cart;
FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram representation of an illustrative vacuum pump
system;
FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram representation of an illustrative controller for
a medical waste fluid collection cart;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fluid waste container assembly;
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a fluid waste container assembly;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a base of a fluid waste container assembly;
FIG. 7 is a side view of the base of a fluid waste container assembly shown in FIG.
6;
FIG. 8 is a side view of the base of a fluid waste container assembly shown in FIG.
6;
FIG. 9 is a side view of the base of a fluid waste container assembly shown in FIG.
6;
FIG. 10 is a side view of the base of a fluid waste container assembly shown in FIG.
6;
FIG. 11 is a top view of the base of a fluid waste container assembly shown in FIG.
6;
FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the base of a fluid waste container assembly shown in
FIG. 6; and
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid waste container assembly in FIG. 4,
taken along line 13-13;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a base of a fluid waste container assembly;
FIG. 15 is a side view of the base of a fluid waste container assembly shown in FIG.
14;
FIG. 16 is a side view of the base of a fluid waste container assembly shown in FIG.
14;
FIG. 17 is a side view of the base of a fluid waste container assembly shown in FIG.
14;
FIG. 18 is a side view of the base of a fluid waste container assembly shown in FIG.
14;
FIG. 19 is a top view of the base of a fluid waste container assembly shown in FIG.
14;
FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the base of a fluid waste container assembly shown in
FIG. 14;
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the base of a fluid waste container assembly
shown in FIG. 14, taken along line 21-21 in FIG. 19;
FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the base of a fluid waste container assembly
shown in FIG. 14, taken along line 22-22 in FIG. 19;
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a lid assembly of a fluid waste container assembly;
FIG. 24 is a side view of a lid of the lid assembly depicted in FIG. 23;
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a lid ring of the lid assembly depicted in FIG. 23;
FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the lid assembly in FIG. 23, taken along line
26-26;
FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a lid assembly with a manifold inserted through
an opening in a lid of the lid assembly;
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a medical waste fluid collection cart;
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a medical waste fluid collection cart.
FIG. 30 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tinting assembly suitable for use
in the medical waste fluid collection cart of FIGS. 28 and 29; and
FIG. 31 is a schematic circuit diagram of a secondary vacuum level detection system.
[0010] While the disclosure is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms,
specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described
in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit aspects
of the claimed disclosure to the particular embodiments described.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] For the following defined terms, these definitions shall be applied, unless a different
definition is given in the claims or elsewhere in this specification.
[0012] All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term "about", whether
or not explicitly indicated. The term "about", when referring to numeric values, generally
refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent
to the recited value (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances,
the term "about" may be indicative as including numbers that are rounded to the nearest
significant figure. Additionally, or alternatively, the term "about" may generally
refer to the area around an object or to a first object positioned at least partially
around a second object.
[0013] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that
range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).
[0014] Although some suitable dimensions, ranges and/or values pertaining to various components,
features and/or specifications are disclosed, one of skill in the art, incited by
the present disclosure, would understand desired dimensions, ranges and/or values
may deviate from those expressly disclosed.
[0015] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an",
and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally
employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
[0016] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings
in which similar elements in different drawings are numbered the same. The detailed
description and the drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative
embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed disclosure. The
illustrative embodiments depicted are intended only as exemplary. Selected features
of any illustrative embodiment may be incorporated into an additional embodiment unless
clearly stated to the contrary.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a medical waste fluid collection cart 10 of or for
use with a medical waste fluid collection and disposal system. An illustrative medical
waste fluid collection and disposal system, which is not meant to be limiting in any
way, is disclosed in, for example:
U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 12/245,966, now
U.S. Patent No: 8,292,857, filed on October 6, 2008, entitled "MEDICAL WASTE FLUID COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM".
[0018] In some cases, the medical waste fluid collection cart 10 may include a housing 12
having a top 14, a bottom 16 and sides extending between the top 14 and the bottom
16. Positioned at least partially within the housing 12, or otherwise positioned on
the cart 10, may be one or more fluid collection canisters or containers 18 (e.g.,
cylinders or other canisters or containers). While two containers 18 are shown in
FIG. 1, the medical waste fluid collection cart 10 may include an alternative number
of containers, for example, the medical waste fluid collection cart 10 may be configured
to include one container, three containers, four containers, or another number of
containers, if desired.
[0019] The housing 12 of the medical waste fluid collection cart 10 may be mounted on casters
20, for example. The casters 20 may be used to provide steering capability for the
cart 10 providing the cart 10 with mobility to be moved to a desired location during
use. The casters 20 may include a brake feature in some instances. The top 14 of the
housing 12 may include a handle 22 to assist in moving and/or positioning the cart
10, if desired. As a result, the medical waste fluid collection cart 10 may be easily
pushed to and from an operating room and/or other desired location.
[0020] In some cases, each of the containers 18 may be connected between a number of corresponding
lids 24 and/or manifolds 26 (e.g., a manifold that may be connected to a lid of a
container may provide fluid access to a container) via flexible tubing (not shown)
to a vacuum source. The lids 24 and/or manifolds 26 may be constructed of molded plastic
or other material and may be disposable.
[0021] The vacuum source (e.g., a vacuum pump) may be provided on the cart 10, or tubing
may be connected to a vacuum source provided in the medical facility, such as a vacuum
pump associated with wall suction provided in an operating room. A vacuum port on
the lid 24 and/or manifold 26 may be provided with a filter, such as a hydrophobic
filter, positioned in a compartment in the lid 24 and/or in the manifold 26.
[0022] FIG. 2 depicts a vacuum line system 200. The vacuum line system 200 may include one
or more vacuum pumps 202, one or more filters 204, one or more valves 206, and one
or more pre-filters 208. In response to actuation of a vacuum pump 202, a vacuum flow
may flow from one or more containers 18 through a vacuum line 210 to, in the direction
of arrow 212, the pre-filter(s) 208, to the valve(s) 206 (e.g., T-valves and/or other
valves), through a further optional vacuum line 210, through the filter(s) 204, and
out through the vacuum pump(s) 202. Vacuum lines 210 may be inserted between any device
of the vacuum system 200, as desired.
[0023] In some cases, a suction regulator may be utilized in the vacuum line system 200
to regulate suction at a suction tube. In one case of utilizing a suction regulator,
the vacuum flow may be diverted to pass through a suction regulator in which the vacuum
flow regulates suction pressure by constricting the flow path of the vacuum flow.
In such a case, the vacuum flow may be required to pass through one or more bends
to reach, flow through, and exit the suction regulator. Such bends and other restrictions
may unnecessarily restrict the vacuum flow and reduce a suction pressure.
[0024] In an alternative configuration, as shown in FIG. 2, a suction regulator 214 may
communicate with one or more valves 206 (e.g., a one direction T-valve or other valve)
such that a vacuum flow does not pass directly through the suction regulator 214 (i.e.,
bypasses the suction regulator 214) and as a result, does not need to pass through
one or more bends and/or restrictions within the suction regulator for a vacuum level
to be regulated by a suction regulator. In such a configuration, the suction regulator
214 may be a bleed valve that may be actuated to bleed air into the vacuum flow in
the direction of the dotted arrow 216. When actuated the suction regulator 214 may
create a mix of air from the suction regulator 214 with the vacuum flow to reduce
a vacuum flow velocity and a suction pressure at a suction tube in a calculated and
intended manner without affecting an efficiency of the vacuum pump 202. The suction
regulator 214 may be used with a single speed vacuum pump or a variable speed vacuum
pump to adjust suction pressure, as needed.
[0025] A patient suction tube (e.g., a reusable or disposable suction tube) may be connected
to a suction port on the lid 24 and/or the manifold 26, while one or more additional
ports may be covered by caps or covers. The lid 24 and/or manifold 26 may include
a tubing post or port for connection with the patient tubing. As a result, vacuum
or suction is selectively drawn on each container so that fluids may be collected
in the containers during the medical procedure via the suction tubing extending from
the container to the patient. The suction and other functions of the medical waste
fluid collection cart 10 may be controlled via a user interface 28 (e.g., a touch
screen), which may include and/or may be communicably coupled to a controller.
[0026] Flexible tubing may be used to connect a lid 24 and/or manifold 26 to a vacuum port
and a suction line or tube may connect to a suction port of the lid 24 or manifold
26, where each of the flexible tubing and the suction line or tube may include a lumen
extending at least partially therethrough. In some cases, suction ports to which a
suction tube is not attached, if any, may be covered with a cover or cap. In operation,
a vacuum source may create a negative pressure within the container 18 to pass fluid
removed from a surgical site through the lumen of the suction tube and deposit the
removed fluid in the container 18.
[0027] After the medical waste fluid collection cart 10 is used in an operating room procedure,
and fluids have been collected in one or more of the containers 18, the patient suction
tubing may be removed from the container lids 24 and/or manifolds 26 and all suction
ports for each container lid 24 or manifold 26 to which suction was applied may be
covered with covers or caps. The medical waste fluid collection cart 10 may then be
rolled to a position adjacent to the evacuation station for draining, washing, disinfecting,
rinsing and return to a suction collection state.
[0028] The evacuation station may include a housing that contains a source of disinfection
solution, pump, drainage system, and/or other components for draining, washing, and
disinfecting the containers of the medical waste fluid collection cart 10. The evacuation
station may communicate with the medical waste fluid collection cart 10 by way of
a composite hose 29 and a coupler 30, for example. The coupler 30 may be received
within a receptacle 32 of the medical waste fluid collection cart 10. Washing fluid
from the evacuation station may be dispensed in the containers 18 with cleaning or
spray nozzles (e.g., see spray nozzle 53 in FIG. 13) positioned in the containers
18 to wash and disinfect those containers 18.
[0029] When the draining, washing and disinfecting of the cart containers 18 is complete,
the coupler 30 may be removed from the receptacle 32 on the medical waste fluid collection
cart 10 so that the medical waste fluid collection cart 10 may again be rolled to
an operating room for use. The coupler 30 permits a single connection to be made between
the medical waste fluid collection cart 10 and the evacuation station. This simplifies
and expedites connecting the medical waste fluid collection cart 10 to, and disconnecting
the medical waste fluid collection cart 10 from, the evacuation station. When the
medical waste fluid collection cart 10 and the evacuation station are connected using
the coupler 30, one or more communication links may be used to permit a controller
of the medical waste fluid collection cart 10 and a controller of the evacuation station
to communicate so that the user can control both, including one or more of a draining
operation, a washing operation and a disinfecting operation, via the user interface
28 or other user interface.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a block diagram representation of an illustrative controller 100 for the
medical waste fluid collection cart 10 of FIG. 1. In some cases, the medical waste
fluid collection cart 10 may include one or more components capable of processing
instructions for controlling one or more functions of the medical waste fluid collection
cart 10. In some cases, the controller 100 may be included within the user interface
28 of FIG. 1. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more components of the controller
100 may be provided and/or mounted on the medical waste fluid collection cart 10 separate
from the user interface 28. The controller 100 may include a processor 102 (e.g. microprocessor,
microcontroller, etc.) that may be communicatively coupled via a data bus 104 to one
or more components of the controller 100 including one or more units of memory 106,
108 (or memory located remote from the controller 100), an input/output block 110,
a data port 112, a user interface 114, and/or a communication interface 116. In some
cases, the user interface 114 may be configured to display one or more screens 118
to a user.
[0031] The processor 102 may operate using a control algorithm that controls or at least
partially controls the collection of medical waste fluid and/or disposal of the collected
medical waste fluid. The processor 102 may, for example, operate in accordance with
an algorithm for collecting medical waste fluid from a surgical site during a medical
procedure using one or more vacuum levels and/or fluid flow rates that may be specified
by a user in real time and/or preset in the memory 106, 108, or other memory, for
example.
[0032] In one example, the processor 102 may be configured to operate the algorithm(s) using
an operating system (e.g., Windows, OS X, iOS, Android, Linux, Unix, GNU, etc.), or
an example embedded operating system (e.g., QNX, NiagaraAX, Windows CE, etc.). In
some cases, the controller 100 may include a timer (not shown). The timer may be integral
to the processor 102 or may be provided as a separate component.
[0033] The memory 106, 108 of the illustrative controller 100 may be communicatively coupled
to the processor 102. The memory 106, 108 may be used to store any desired information,
such as the aforementioned control algorithm, a power monitoring algorithm, the configuration
of the medical waste fluid collection and disposal system, set points, vacuum levels,
flow levels, flags, indicators, diagnostic limits, look-up tables, sensed parameter
correlations, and/or the like. The memory 106, 108 may be any suitable type of storage
device including, but not limited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM, flash memory, a hard drive,
and/or the like. In some cases, the processor 102 may store information within memory
106, 108, and may subsequently retrieve the stored information.
[0034] In some cases, the controller 100 may include an input/output block (I/O block) 110
for receiving one or more signals from one or more components of the medical waste
fluid collection cart 10 and/or for providing one or more signals to the one or more
components of the medical waste fluid collection cart 10. For example, the I/O block
110 may be configured to provide signals to and/or to receive signals from one or
more lights 34 (e.g., container lights associated with the containers 18), one or
more switching devices 36 (e.g., solenoids, relays, transistors, etc.), one or more
components of a valve drive system 38 (e.g., motors, valves, etc.) including one or
more components of the "wash" valve, the "drain" valve and/or the "vent" valve, one
or more sensors 40 (e.g., light sensors, pressure sensors, level sensors, flow sensors,
etc.), pumps 42 (e.g., a vacuum pump, an evacuation pump, etc.), and/or one or more
other components via one or more communication paths 120. The I/O block 110 may be
configured for wired communication via one or more terminal screws, for example, and/or
wireless communication via a wireless communication interface, for example. In some
cases, the I/O block 110 may be used to communicate with other sensors and/or other
devices associated with a particular medical process.
[0035] In some cases, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the controller 100 may include a data port
112. The data port 112 may be a wireless port for wireless protocols such as Bluetooth™,
WiFi, Zigbee, or any other wireless protocol. In other cases, data port 112 may be
a wired port such as a serial port, an ARCNET port, a parallel port, a CAT5 port,
a USB (universal serial bus) port, and/or the like. In some cases, the data port 112
may use one or more communication protocols, such as Ethernet, BACNet, LONtalk, etc.,
that may be used via a wired network or a wireless network. In some instances, the
data port 112 may be a USB port and may be used to download and/or upload information
from a USB flash drive or some other data source. Other remote devices may also be
employed, as desired.
[0036] The data port 112 may be configured to communicate with the processor 102 and may,
if desired, be used to upload information to the processor 102 and/or download information
from the processor 102. Information that can be uploaded and/or downloaded may include,
for example, values of operating parameters (e.g., vacuum levels, flow rates, volume
levels, fluid concentration levels, etc.), measurement correlations, look-up tables,
and/or algorithms. In some instances, the data port 112 may be used to upload previously-created
configurations and/or software updates into the controller 100 to hasten the programming
process.
[0037] In some cases, the data port 112 may be used to download data stored within the memory
106, 108 for analysis and/or transfer to another device. For example, the data port
112 may be used to download one or more stored flow rates and/or vacuum levels, faults
and/or alerts log, sensed data, and/or calculations based on sensed data to a remote
device such as a USB memory stick (also sometimes referred to as a thumb drive or
jump drive), personal computer, laptop, iPAD® or other tablet computer, PDA, smart
phone, or other device, as desired. In some cases, the data may be convertible to
an MS EXCEL®, MS WORD®, text, XML, and/or Adobe PDF® file, if desired.
[0038] In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 3, the user interface 114 may be any suitable
user interface that permits the controller 100 to display and/or solicit information,
as well as accept one or more user interactions with the controller 100. For example,
the user interface 114 may permit a user to enter data such as vacuum levels, patient
information, start/end times of procedures, flow rates, medical application types,
and the like. In some cases, the user interface 114 may include a display and a distinct
keypad. A display may be any suitable display. In some instances, the display may
include or may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), and in some cases a fixed segment
display or a dot matrix LCD display. If desired, the user interface 114 may be a touch
screen LCD panel that functions as both display and keypad. In some instances, a touch
screen LCD panel may be adapted to solicit values for a number of operating parameters
and/or to receive such values, if desired. In some cases, the user interface 114 may
optionally include the memory 108. In some cases, the user interface 114 may include
one or more electromechanical input devices (e.g., a switch, a potentiometer, a rotary
dial, a push button, etc.) for use in selecting a desired flow rate, vacuum level,
and/or parameter.
[0039] In one example, the user interface 114 may include a graphical user interface communicatively
coupled to the processor 102 and/or the memory 106, 108 via the data bus 104. The
user interface 114 may be configured to allow a user to monitor and/or control one
or more functions of the medical waste fluid collection cart 10 and/or the evacuation
station. The user interface 114 may include one or more screens 118 that may be used
to present information to a user. In some cases, a graphical user interface may be
used to solicit entry of vacuum levels, flow rates and/or other information from a
user via a touchscreen, a keypad, buttons on the medical waste fluid collection cart
10, and/or another electromechanical input device (e.g., a dial interface).
[0040] The communication interface 116 may include one or more communication interfaces
for allowing the controller 100 to communicate with one or more other devices 124,
such as via a communication link 122. For example, the communication interface 116
may include a communication interface that allows the medical waste fluid collection
cart 10 to communicate with the evacuation station via the coupler 30. In some cases,
one or more connectors associated with the communication link 122 may be included
within the coupler 30. In other cases, the communication link 122 may be separate
from the coupler 30. In some cases, the communication interface 116 may include one
or more wired and/or wireless communication interfaces, such as an Ethernet port,
a wireless port, an RS-232 port, an RS-422 port, an RS-485 port, and the like. In
such cases, the communication interface 116 may allow data entry, reprogramming, upgrading,
debugging, and/or other operations to be done remotely, such as by an authorized user,
via the communication link 122.
[0041] FIG. 4 is an illustrative container assembly 17 including a container 18, a lid assembly
23, and a base 44. The container 18 may have a body 19 with a bottom 19a and a top
19b, where the base 44 may be located adjacent the bottom 19a of the body 19 and the
lid assembly 23 may be located adjacent the top 19b of the body 19.
[0042] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the container assembly 17. As shown in FIG. 5, the
lid assembly 23 may include a lid 24 and a lid ring 25. Illustratively, the lid ring
25 may engage the top 19b of the body 19 and the lid 24 may engage the lid ring 25
to close at least a portion of an opening into the container 18 and provide selective
access to an interior of the container 18.
[0043] The container 18 may be any shape and size configured to fit at least partially within
the housing 12 of the fluid waste collection cart 10, or otherwise be positioned on
the cart 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the body 19 of the container 18 may be a cylinder
shape (e.g., a shape with a rounded or circular cross-section) with at least partially
open ends (e.g., the bottom 19a and the top 19b) and a lumen 19c extending between
each end. Alternatively, or in addition, the body 19 of the container 18 may have
a cross-sectional shape different than a circle, such as a square, rectangle, oval,
or other two-dimensional shape. In some cases, the bottom 19a of the body 19 may include
a base (e.g., base 44 or other base) separately connected with, integrally connected
to, or monolithically formed with the body 19 of the container 18. When the base 44
is connected to the body 19, the base 44 may be connected to the body 19 with any
connection technique, including, but not limited to, an adhesive connection, a force
fit connection, a threaded connection, a bayonet connection, a twist lock connection,
and/or one or more other permanent or reversible connection technique.
[0044] In some instances, the lid assembly 23 may include an o-ring 45. The o-ring 45 may
engage the lid ring 25 and create a liquid tight seal between the lid ring 25 and
the container 18 (e.g., the body 19) when the lid ring 25 is engaging the container
18. The o-ring 45 may be configured to facilitate or further a friction fit connection,
a threaded connection, a bayonet connection, a twist lock connection, and/or one or
more other connection types between the lid ring 25 and the container 18.
[0045] The lid assembly may include a manifold 26. The manifold 26 may be configured to
releasably connect to the lid 24. In some cases, the manifold 26 may be configured
to be removed from the lid 24 after use and may be disposable. The manifold 26 may
include one or more ports for providing access to the containers 18. In one example,
the one or more ports may be configured to connect to tubing and may include one or
more suction ports for connecting to a suction tube, one or more vacuum ports for
connecting to a vacuum tube, and/or one or more other ports.
[0046] The manifold 26 may be configured to engage the lid 24 in one or more manners. The
manifold 26 may connect to or engage the lid 24 through a threaded connection, a force
fit connection, a bayonet connection, twist lock connection, and/or one or more other
connection types. In some cases, an air-tight or hermetic seal may be formed between
the manifold 26 and the lid 24.
[0047] The base 44 may include a top portion 46 and a bottom portion 48. In one example,
at least part of the top portion 46 may be sized and configured to fit through the
bottom 19a of the body 19 of the container 18 and within the lumen 19c of the body
19. The bottom 19a of the body 19 may rest on the bottom portion 48 of the base 44
and/or extend on the side(s) of the bottom portion 48. An air-tight or hermetic seal
may be formed between the body 19 of the container 18 and the base 44.
[0048] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the base 44. As shown in FIG. 6, the base 44
may include a top portion 46 and a bottom portion 48, wherein the bottom portion 48
may have a footprint width (F2 in FIG. 11) at least as wide as or wider than a footprint
width (F1 in FIG. 11) of the top portion 46. Alternatively, or in addition, at least
a portion of a footprint width of the top portion 46 may be wider than a footprint
width of the bottom portion 48 The top portion 46 and the bottom portion 48 may be
monolithically formed or two or more pieces integrally joined together. In some cases,
the bottom portion 48 may have one or more holes 49 for receiving a fastener to fasten
the container 18 to the cart 10.
[0049] The top portion 46 of the base 44 may have an interior surface 50, a spray hole or
opening 52, a drain hole or opening 54, and a perimeter wall 56 that may extend from
the bottom portion 48 and may have a top that at least partially defines an outer
perimeter of the interior surface 50 and/or an outer perimeter of the top portion
46. The spray opening 52 may allow for injecting cleaning fluids and other fluids
into the container 18 before, during, and/or after use of the container 18. The drain
opening 54 may be configured to facilitate removal of solid (bone chips, clots, etc.)
and fluid waste from the container 18 through a drain and/or hose connected to the
drain opening.
[0050] The spray opening 52 may be at least partially defined by an extension 51 (e.g.,
a post or other feature) extending from or through the base 44 into an interior of
the container 18, and the spray opening 52 may extend from a first end 52a to a second
end 52b through the extension 51. The first end 52a of the spray opening 52 may be
located within the container 18 when the base is enclosing an end of the body 19.
The first end 52a may include or may be configured to receive a spray nozzle 53 (see
FIG. 13), where cleaning fluids or other fluids may pass through the spray opening
52 and out a top portion of the spray nozzle 53 positioned within the interior of
the container 18. In some cases, the spray nozzle 53 may connect to the first end
52a through one or more of a threaded connection, a friction fit connection, a bayonet
connection, a twist lock connection, an adhesive connection, and/or one or more other
connections. The second end 52b of the spray opening 52 may be configured to connect
to a hose for passing fluids (e.g., cleaning fluids or other fluids) to the spray
opening 52.
[0051] The base 44 may include a radial ledge 47 and/or a radial wall 58 that extends from
the spray opening 52 and/or a central portion of the base 44 toward and/or to the
perimeter wall 56. The radial ledge 47 and/or the radial wall 58 may extend radially
in a substantially linear manner or in a non-linear (e.g., a curved, a stepped, etc.)
manner. In one example, as shown in FIG. 6, the radial wall 58 may extend radially
in a curved manner. The radial ledge 47 may be rounded and/or may be formed by two
or more surfaces coming together.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 6, the interior surface 50 of the base 44 may extend in or along
a path from a first side 58a (e.g., a convex side, as shown in FIG. 6) of the radial
wall 58 of the base 44 toward the drain opening 54 and a second side 58b (e.g., a
concave side, as shown in FIG. 6) of the radial wall 58 opposite the first side 58a.
The interior surface 50 may extend to a location adjacent the drain opening 54, a
location adjacent the second side 58b of the radial wall 58 and/or extend under the
radial ledge 47. The path of the interior surface 50 may be helical, one example of
which is shown in the Figures. The helical path along which the interior surface 50
may extend may be a path that is coiled, ramped, spiraled, and/or configured in another
manner that at least partially declines around a point of rotation from a starting
point to an end point adjacent the drain opening 54. Although the interior surface
50 in the Figures extends along a helical path that follows a cylindrical perimeter,
the interior surface 50 may extend along a helical path that follows a perimeter of
a shape other than a cylinder (e.g., a cuboid, a cube, a prism, a pyramid, an ovoid,
etc.).
[0053] In some cases, the path of the interior surface 50 may extend around the extension
51, around the spray opening 52, and/or around a central portion of the base 44. In
instances when the path of the interior surface 50 extends around the extension 51
and/or the spray opening 52, the interior surface 50 may be entirely below the first
end 52a of the spray opening 52, the interior surface 50 may start at a level of the
first end 52a and extend below the first end 52a, the interior surface 50 may be at
least partially above and at least partially below the first end 52a, the interior
surface 50 may extend from above the first end 52a to a level of the first end 52a,
or the interior surface 50 may be entirely above the first end 52a. The central portion
of the base 44 may be considered a portion of the base 44 spaced from the perimeter
wall 56 and positioned toward a central axis of the container 18 extending through
the base 44 when the base 44 is enclosing an end of the body 19 of the container 18.
In some instances, the central portion of the base 44 need not be centered within
the container 18. In some instances, the longitudinal axis of the extension 51 may
be centered within the container 18, while in other instances, the longitudinal axis
of the extension 51 may be offset from the center of the container 18.
[0054] The interior surface 50 may angle or decline toward the drain opening 54. For example,
the interior surface 50 may decline along the helical path from an upper most point
adjacent the first side 58a of the radial wall 58 to a location adjacent the drain
opening 54 and/or the second side 58b of the radial wall 58. In some cases, the decline
of the interior surface 50 may end at or adjacent the drain opening 54. In such cases,
the interior surface 50 extending between the second side 58b of the radial wall 58
and the drain opening 54 may be horizontal or angled at a decline toward the drain
opening 54 (see FIG. 7).
[0055] The decline(s) of the interior surface 50 may be continuous or discontinuous. For
example, as in FIG. 6, the decline of the interior surface 50 may be continuous. Alternatively,
the interior surface 50 may be separated into steps or other discontinuous features
having runs that are flat or angled in a declining manner along the helical path.
In some cases, the angle at which the interior surface 50 declines may be consistent
along the helical path. Alternatively, the angle at which the interior surface 50
declines may increase or decrease along the helical path.
[0056] FIG. 7 is a side view of the base 44 showing the helical path of the interior surface
50 terminating adjacent the second side 58b of the radial wall 58. In FIG. 7, the
decline of the interior surface 50 along the helical path declines toward a location
at or adjacent the drain opening 54. Additionally, the interior surface 50 is depicted
in FIG. 7 as declining from the second side 58b of the radial wall toward a location
adjacent the drain opening 54. Such a decline(s) of the interior surface 50 may facilitate
directing solids into the drain opening 54 and away from a level sensor 57 (e.g.,
away from a float 59 of the level sensor 57, as shown in FIG. 13, positioned adjacent
to and movable along the radial wall 58, to prevent solids (e.g., clogs or build-ups
of solids) and from interfering with the level sensor 57 and facilitate draining solids
and liquids through the drain opening 54) from being positioned adjacent the radial
wall 58 and facilitate draining collected fluid waste, as discussed further below.
[0057] The base 44 may include an indent 60 configured to receive an o-ring (not shown).
When the base 44 connects with the body 19 of the container 18, the indent 60 and
an associated o-ring may facilitate creating a hermetic seal between the base 44 and
the body 19.
[0058] FIG. 8 is a side view of the base 44 opposite the side view depicted in FIG. 7. FIG.
8 shows the interior surface 50 declining along the helical path from a location adjacent
the first side 58a of the radial wall 58.
[0059] FIG. 9 is a side view of the base 44 rotated ninety (90) degrees from the side views
depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 9 shows the interior surface 50 declining along the
helical path from a location adjacent the first side 58a of the radial wall 58.
[0060] FIG. 10 is a side view of the base 44 opposite the side view depicted in FIG. 9.
FIG. 10 shows the decline of the interior surface 50 along the helical path about
the spray opening 52.
[0061] FIG. 11 is a top view of the base 44. The top view of FIG. 11 depicts the interior
surface 50 extending along the helical path around the spray opening 52 from the first
side 58a of the radial wall 58 to the second side 58b of the radial wall 58. In some
instances, the width of the interior surface 50 may stay constant along the helical
path. Alternatively, a width of the interior surface 50 may increase or decrease along
the helical path. As shown in FIG. 11, the interior surface 50 tapers along the helical
path as a width W1 adjacent the beginning of the helical path (i.e., portion furthest
from the drain opening 54) is greater than a width W2 adjacent the ending of the helical
path (i.e., portion closest to the drain opening 54). The interior surface 50 may
taper to facilitate directing the solids in the fluid of the container 18 away from
the body 19 of the container 18 and into a middle of the interior surface 50 as those
solids are directed along the helical path toward the drain opening 54. The spray
opening 52 may be offset from a central axis of the base 44 to facilitate a taper
of the interior surface 50 and/or other purposes.
[0062] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the base 44 opposite the top view depicted in FIG. 11.
The spray opening 52, the drain opening 54, and the holes 49 configured to receive
fasteners may extend through the base 44. One or more support features 63 (only a
select few support features 63 are labeled FIG. 12 for clarity purposes) within the
base 44 be provided to support the base 44 during manufacturing of the base 44 and
during use of the base 44.
[0063] FIG. 13 is a cross-section of the container assembly 17 of FIG. 4 taken along line
13-13. FIG. 13 depicts the decline of the interior surface 50 along the helical path.
For example, dotted line D1 represents a distance from the interior surface 50 at
or adjacent a beginning of the helical path to a top rim of the body 19 and dotted
line D2 represents a distance from the interior surface 50 at or adjacent an end of
the helical path to the top rim of the body 19. Here, D1 is a distance that is less
than a distance of D2.
[0064] A fluid level sensor 57 is depicted in FIG. 13. Although the fluid level sensor 57
may extend from one or more of the base 44, the lid assembly 23, and the body 19,
the level sensor 57 shown in FIG. 13 extends from a holder 55 of lid ring 25 toward
the base 44 adjacent the drain opening 54 and the radial wall 58.
[0065] The level sensor 57 may be any type of level sensor 57 capable of measuring an amount
of material in the container 18. In FIG. 13, the level sensor 57 may include a float
59 configured to float along an elongated member 61 as the container fills up with
or is drained of material. The level sensor 57 may provide a visual indication of
the material level in the container 18 based on markings on or adjacent the level
sensor 57 and a position of the float 59 along the elongated member 61. Alternatively,
or in addition, the level sensor 57 may communicate with the controller 100 or other
controller and a fluid level measurement may be displayed on a user interface 28 or
other user interface.
[0066] FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of an alternative base (e.g., base 344) for container
18 of the container assembly 17. As shown in FIG. 14, the base 344 may include a top
portion 346 and a bottom portion 348. The top portion 346 and the bottom portion 348
may be monolithically formed or may be two or more pieces integrally joined together.
In some cases, the bottom portion 348 may have one or more holes 349 for receiving
a fastener to fasten the container 18 to the cart 10.
[0067] The top portion 346 of the base 344 may have an interior surface 350, a spray hole
or opening 352, a drain hole or opening 354, and a perimeter wall 356 that may extend
from the bottom portion 348 and may have a top that at least partially defines an
outer perimeter of the interior surface 350 and/or an outer perimeter of the top portion
346. The spray opening 352 may allow for injecting cleaning fluids and other fluids
into the container 18 before, during, and/or after use of the container 18. The drain
opening 354 may be configured to facilitate removal of solid (bone chips, clots, etc.)
and fluid waste from the container 18 through a drain and/or hose connected to the
drain opening 354.
[0068] The spray opening 352 may be at least partially defined by an extension 351 (e.g.,
a post or other feature) extending through and/or from the base 344 into the interior
of the container 18 and may extend from a first end 352a to a second end 352b (see
FIG. 20) through the extension 351. The first end 352a of the spray opening 352 may
be located within the container 18 when the base 344 is enclosing an end of the body
19. The first end 352a may include or may be configured to receive a spray nozzle
53, where cleaning fluids or other fluids may pass through the spray opening 352 and
out a top portion of the spray nozzle 53 positioned within the interior of the container
18. In some cases, the spray nozzle 53 may connect to the first end 352a through one
or more of a threaded connection, a friction fit connection, a bayonet connection,
a twist lock connection, an adhesive connection, and/or one or more other connections.
The second end 352b of the spray opening 352 may be configured to connect to a hose
for passing fluids (e.g., cleaning fluids or other fluids) to the spray opening 352.
[0069] The base 344 may include a ledge 347 and/or a wall 358, where the wall 358 may extend
from the interior surface 350 to a base surface 355 (e.g., a surface from which a
fluid level is measured). The ledge 347 and/or the wall 358 may form any shape. In
one example, as shown in FIG. 14, the ledge 347 and the wall 358 may have a curved
or rounded form and extend to and from a location adjacent the drain opening 354.
[0070] As shown in FIG. 14, the interior surface 350 of the base 344 may have an outer perimeter
at least partially defined by the perimeter wall 356 and an inner perimeter at least
partially defined by the ledge 347 or wall 358. The interior surface 350 may extend
to a location adjacent the drain opening 354 and/or the base surface 355. The interior
surface 350 may follow a path that directs collected medical waste toward the drain
opening 354 and solids of the medical waste away from the base surface 355. The path
may decline toward the drain hole and may take on any shape (e.g., a ramped crescent
or circular shape, as shown in FIG. 14, or other shape).
[0071] In some cases, the path of the interior surface 350 may extend around the extension
351, around the spray opening 352, and/or around a central portion of the base 344.
In instances when the path of the interior surface 350 extends around the extension
351 and/or the spray opening 352, the interior surface 350 may be entirely below the
first end 352a of the spray opening 352, the interior surface 350 may start at a level
of the first end 352a and extend below the first end 352a, the interior surface 350
may be at least partially above and at least partially below the first end 352a, the
interior surface 350 may extend from above the first end 352a to a level of the first
end 352a, or the interior surface 350 be entirely above the first end 352a. The central
portion of the base 344 may be considered a portion of the base 344 spaced from the
perimeter wall 356 and adjacent a central axis of the container 18 extending through
the base 344 when the base 344 is enclosing an end of the body 19 of the container
18. The extension 351 of the central portion of the base 344 need not be centered
within the container 18. For example, in some instances the longitudinal axis of the
extension 351 may be centered in the base 344, while in other instances the longitudinal
axis of the extension 351 may be offset from the center of the base 344.
[0072] As mentioned, the interior surface 350 may decline toward the drain opening 354 and
the decline(s) of the interior surface 350 may be continuous or discontinuous. For
example, as in FIG. 14, the decline of the interior surface 350 may be continuous.
Alternatively, the interior surface 350 may be separated into steps or other discontinuous
features having runs that are flat or angled in a declining manner along the path
of the interior surface 350. In some cases, the angle at which the interior surface
350 declines may be consistent along the path toward the drain opening 354. Alternatively,
the angle at which the interior surface 350 declines may increase or decrease along
the path toward the drain opening 354.
[0073] FIG. 15 is a side view of the base 344 showing the path of the interior surface 350
declining and terminating adjacent drain opening 354 at a first side and at a second
side of the drain opening 354. Such a decline(s) of the interior surface 350 may facilitate
directing solids into the drain opening 354 and away from the base surface 355 and
the level sensor 57 (e.g., away from the float 59 of the level sensor 57, as shown
in FIG. 13, to prevent solids (e.g., clogs or build-ups of solids) from interfering
with the level sensor 57 and facilitate draining solids and liquids through the drain
opening 354) positionable adjacent the wall 358.
[0074] The base 344 may include an indent 360 configured to receive an o-ring (not shown).
When the base 344 connects with the body 19 of the container 18, the indent 360 and
an associated o-ring may facilitate creating a hermetic seal between the base 344
and the body 19.
[0075] FIG. 16 is a side view of the base 344 opposite the side view depicted in FIG. 15.
FIG. 16 shows the top portion 346 and the bottom portion 348, with the indent 360
formed in the top portion 346. As shown in FIG. 16, the perimeter wall 356 of the
top portion 346 may decline toward an opposite side of the base 344.
[0076] FIG. 17 is a side view of the base 44 rotated ninety (90) degrees from the side views
depicted in FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG. 17 shows the perimeter wall 356 of the base 344
declining along a width of the top portion 346 of the base 344.
[0077] FIG. 18 is a side view of the base 344 opposite the side view depicted in FIG. 17.
FIG. 18 shows the decline of the perimeter wall 356 of the base 344 along a width
of the top portion 346 of the base 344.
[0078] FIG. 19 is a top view of the base 344. The top view of FIG. 19 depicts the interior
surface 350 extending along the path around the spray opening 352 and around the base
surface 355 between a top of the perimeter wall 356 and the ledge 347. In some instances,
the width of the interior surface 50 may stay constant along the path toward the drain
opening 354. Alternatively, a width of the interior surface 350 may increase or decrease
along the path. As shown in FIG. 19, the interior surface 350 may taper along the
path as a width W1' adjacent the beginning of the path (e.g., portion furthest from
the drain opening 354) is greater than a width W2' adjacent the ending of the path
(e.g., portion closest to the drain opening 354). The interior surface 350 may taper
to facilitate directing the solids in the fluid of the container 18 away from the
body 19 of the container 18 and into a middle of the interior surface 350 as those
solids are directed along the path toward the drain opening 354. The spray opening
352 may be at or offset from a central axis of the base 344.
[0079] FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the base 344 opposite the top view depicted in FIG. 19.
The spray opening 352, the drain opening 354, and the holes 349 configured to receive
fasteners may extend through the base 344.
[0080] FIG. 21 a cross-sectional view of the base 344 taken along line 21-21 in FIG. 19.
As shown in FIG. 21, the interior surface 350 declines toward the drain opening 354
and extends around the spray opening 352 and the base surface 355. In addition to
showing a change in width of the interior surface 350 as it extends toward the drain
opening 354, the interior surface 350 may include a non-linear surface (e.g., a rounded
surface, as shown in FIG. 21, or other non-linear surface). The non-linear surface
may be configured to direct solid medical waste in the container 18 toward a central
portion of the interior surface 350 as the surface 350 extends along the path toward
the drain opening 354. Such a non-linear surface may facilitate moving solids in collected
medical waste away from a body 19 of the container 18 to prevent build up of solids
along the body 19 and/or for other benefits.
[0081] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the base 344 taken along line 22-22 in FIG.
19. FIG. 22 shows the interior surface 350 having a width extending between the top
of the perimeter wall 356 and the ledge 347. Similar to as in FIG. 21, the interior
surface 350 may be non-linear across its width to facilitate preventing build up of
solids along the body 19 of the container 18, to direct solid medical waste away from
the base surface 355 and a level sensor 57 and toward the drain opening 354, and/or
for other benefits.
[0082] The base 344 depicted in FIGS. 14-22 may be utilized in the container assembly 17
in a manner similar to that of base 44. As such, when the base 344 is included in
a container 18, a top of a path of the interior surface 350 of the base 344 may have
a distance to a top of the body 19 of the container 18 that is less than a distance
from a bottom of a path (e.g., adjacent the drain opening 354) of the interior surface
350 to a top of the body 19 of the container 18.
[0083] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the lid assembly 23 of the container assembly 17.
The lid assembly 23 may include the lid 24 and the lid ring 25. The lid 24 may include
an opening 62 that may be configured to receive a manifold 26. The lid 24 may connect
to a manifold inserted into the opening 62 in any manner including, but not limited
to, through a friction fit connection, a threaded connection, a bayonet connection,
a twist lock connection, and/or one or more other connection mechanisms. In the example
shown in FIG. 23, the lid 24 may include one or more tab openings 64 (e.g., two tab
openings 64, as shown in FIG. 23) as a part of or extending from the opening 62. The
tab openings 64 may be sized and/or otherwise configured to receive tabs extending
from sides of the manifold 26 to facilitate a connection between the manifold 26 and
the lid 24.
[0084] FIG. 24 is a side view of the lid 24. The lid 24 may have an exterior portion 24a
and an interior portion 24b, wherein the exterior portion 24a may be accessible from
exterior the cart 10 and the interior portion 24b may be configured to be at last
partially received within the lid ring 25. The interior portion 24b may include a
locking feature (e.g., a flange 66) for reception in or engagement with a locking
feature (e.g., a groove 70) of the lid ring 25, where the locking feature may facilitate
engagement of and disengagement of the lid 24 from the container 18 in response to
rotation of the lid 24. Optionally, the interior portion 24b of the lid 24 may include
an indent 68 for receiving an o-ring that may facilitate creating a hermetic seal
between the lid 24 and the lid ring 25.
[0085] The lid 24 and the lid ring 25 may engage one another via a lock mechanism utilizing
a locking feature on one or more of the lid 24 and the lid ring 25. The lock mechanism
between the lid 24 and the lid ring 25 may be any type of locking mechanism configured
to releasably connect the lid 24 to the lid ring 25 including a force fit mechanism,
a bayonet lock mechanism, a twist lock mechanism, a threaded mechanism, and/or one
or more other locking mechanisms. The locking mechanism depicted in the Figures is
a twist lock mechanism and the lid 24 may include a flange 66 of or extending from
the interior portion 24b. The flange 66 may be configured to engage a groove 70 of
or on an interior portion 25b of the lid ring 25.
[0086] The flange 66 may have a ramped surface relative to a base 72 of the lid 24, where
a distance between the flange 66 and the base 72 decreases in the direction of rotation
for engaging the lid 24 with the lid ring 25 (e.g., locking the lid 24 to the lid
ring 25). The flange 66 may include a stop 74 and/or a closed end that may engage
the lid ring 25 to limit or prevent further rotational movement of the lid 24 in a
locking direction.
[0087] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the lid ring 25. The lid ring 25 includes an exterior
portion 25a for engaging the body 19 (e.g., the top end 19b) of the container 18 and
an interior portion 25b having and/or defining a central opening 76 into the lumen
19c of the body 19 of the container 18. When the lid 24 is engaged with the lid ring
25, the lid 24 may at least partially cover the central opening 76.
[0088] The exterior portion 25a of the lid ring 25 may be sized to fit within a top end
of 19b of the body 19. In some cases, the exterior portion 25a of the lid ring 25
may include an indent 78 that may receive an o-ring (not shown). When an o-ring is
positioned in the indent 78, the o-ring may facilitate a hermetic seal between the
lid ring 25 and the body 19 of the container 18.
[0089] The interior portion 25b of the lid ring 25 may include flange openings 80 for receiving
flanges of lid 24 in a groove 70 of the lid ring 25 to create a twist lock connection
between the lid 24 and the lid ring 25. The twist lock mechanism for engaging the
lid 24 with the lid ring 25 may be similar to a bayonet connection, where the lid
ring 25 receives the flanges 66 of the lid 24 and twisting the lid relative to the
lid ring 25 further engages the lid 24 with the lid ring 25. Additionally, due to
the groove 70 having a cam surface 82 and the flange 66 having a ramped surface, a
friction fit connection is created to twist lock the lid in place relative to the
lid ring 25 after rotational movement of the lid 24 in a locking direction. The lid
ring 25 may include a limit 84 that may engage the flange 66 of the lid 24 or other
portion of the lid to prevent further rotational movement of the lid 24 in a locking
direction.
[0090] The separable configuration of the lid assembly 23 (e.g., the twist lock configuration
or other connection configuration between the lid 24 and the lid ring 25) may provide
access to an interior of the container 18. The configuration of the lid assembly 23
may facilitate gaining access to the interior of the container 18 to remove material
from within the container 18 should the drain opening 54 become clogged, should solid
material interfere with the level sensor 57 (e.g., a float 59 of a level sensor 57),
and/or for one or more other purposes. Although the interior surface 50 of the base
44 may be configured to facilitate directing solids (e.g., bone chips, clots, etc.)
in the material within the container 18 toward the drain opening 54 and away from
the level sensor 57 (e.g., the float 59 of the level sensor 57), solids may build-up
within the container 18 and block the drain opening 54 and/or interfere with the level
sensor 57. To unclog the drain opening 54 or remove material from or adjacent to the
level sensor 57, the lid 24 of the container assembly 17 may be removed from the lid
ring 25 to gain access to the interior of the container 18 and a user may remove material
from and/or clean the container 18 to improve the operation of the drain opening 54,
the operation of the level sensor 57, and/or an operation of other features of the
cart 10.
[0091] FIG. 26 is a cross-section of a lid assembly 23 taken along line 17-17 in FIG. 23.
A door 86 is shown closing off or blocking the opening 62 of the lid 24 in FIG. 26.
The door 86 may be formed with or connected to the lid 24. In one example, as shown
in FIG. 26, the door 86 may be connected to the lid 24 through a living hinge 88 such
that the door 86 is a monolithic or unitary portion of the lid 24. However, other
hinges and/or connectors may be utilized to connect the door 86 to the lid 24. The
hinge 88 may be configured to bias the door 86 to a closed position blocking the opening
62, as shown in FIG. 26.
[0092] FIG. 27 depicts a cross-section of a lid assembly 23 with a manifold 26 inserted
into the opening 62 of the lid 24. As shown in FIG. 27, the door 86 may rotate about
the hinge 88 to provide access to the interior of the lid assembly 23 and when the
lid assembly is connected to the container 18, provide access to the interior of the
container 18. In one example, a manifold 26 may be inserted into the opening 62 in
the lid 24. As the manifold 26 is inserted through the opening 62, the manifold 26
may engage and deflect the door 86 to an open position, as shown in FIG. 27. Due,
at least in part, to the door 86 being connected to lid 24 with a living hinge 88
biased toward the opening 62, when the manifold 26 is removed from the lid 24 after
use or for another purpose the door 86 will return to a closed position blocking the
opening 62 in the lid 24.
[0093] As discussed, the fluid waste collection cart 10 may collect waste material (mostly
fluids, but some solids (e.g., bone chips, clots, etc.) from a surgical site. The
collected waste material may be received in the containers 18 within the housing 12
of the fluid waste collection cart 10. From exterior the cart 10, a user may view
the material and a level 92 of that material in the containers 18 through windows
90, as shown in FIG. 28. In some cases, for example when the fluid waste collection
cart 10 is to be transported between surgical rooms and/or at other times, it may
be undesirable to be able to view material in the containers 18.
[0094] To facilitate allowing a user to view material in the containers 18 during a procedure
and also to facilitate obscuring or covering a view of the material in the containers
18 when it is undesirable to view the material, an actuatable coating may be applied
to the windows 90 or body 19 of the containers 18 to obscure a view of the material
within the containers 18. Alternatively, or in addition, an actuatable material may
be used to make the windows 90 or body 19 of the containers 18 to obscure a view of
the material within the containers 18. Thus, when the actuatable coating or material
is activated the material within the containers 18 is not viewable from exterior the
cart 10, as shown in FIG. 29.
[0095] The coating or material used to obscure the windows 90 or body 19 may limit an amount
of light (e.g., darken, frost, etc.) that reaches or is reflected from the material
in the containers 18. In some instance the coating or material used to obscure the
windows 90 or body 19 may be electrically activated and actuated upon activation of
a switch. In one example, a switch for activating the coating or material may be tied
to a light switch for activating a light that illuminates the material in the containers
18 for viewing. In such cases, when the light switch is activated (i.e., turned on)
the coating or material used to obscure the windows 90 or body 19 may be deactivated,
allowing visibility to the fluid in the container 18, and when the light switch is
deactivated (i.e., turned off), the coating or material used to obscure the windows
90 or body 19 may be activated, obscuring visibility to the fluid in the container
18. Alternatively, or in addition, a switch for actuation of the coating or material
may be tied to the controller 100 (e.g., a push button, touch display, etc.) or may
be an isolated switch separate from other controls of the cart 10. Alternatively,
or in addition, a door may be provided to cover the windows 90 and selectively block
a view of the fluid within the containers 18.
[0096] FIG. 30 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tinting assembly 300 suitable for
use in the medical waste fluid collection cart 10 of FIGS. 28 and 29.
[0097] The tinting assembly 300 can be positioned between the body 19 of the container 18
and the window 90. In the depicted example, the tinting assembly 300 can include film
layers 302A and 302B, a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) layer 304 and an adhesive
layer 306. The adhesive layer 306 can be positioned between window 90 and the tinting
assembly 300.
[0098] The body 19 of the container 18 can comprise a rigid structure that can support a
volume of medical waste, such as various biological fluids, including blood. The body
19 can be made of a material that is clear or transparent to allow light to pass from
a first side S1 of the container 18 to a second side S2 of the container 18. The second
side S2 of the body 19 can be configured to retain the medical waste, while the first
side S1 of the body 19 can be configured to face the environment or the window 90.
[0099] The window 90 can be disposed next to an exterior portion of the container 18. For
example, the window 90 can be positioned next to the first side S1 of the container
18. The window 90 can also be made of a material that is clear or transparent to allow
light to pass from the first side S1 to the second side S2. In various embodiments,
the window 90 can be made of plastic or glass.
[0100] The tinting assembly 300 can be positioned between the window 90 and the container
18. As such, the tinting assembly 300 can be protected from external environmental
conditions by the window 90 and protected from the medical waste by the container
18. However, in other embodiments, a tinting assembly can be incorporated directly
into the window 90 or the container 18, or positioned within the container 18 or outside
of the window 90. In the depicted embodiment, the tinting assembly 300 is adhered
to the interior surface of the window 90 with the adhesive layer 306. The tinting
assembly 300 could also be attached to the exterior surface of the container 18.
[0101] In the depicted embodiment, the tinting assembly 300 utilizes polymer dispersed liquid
crystal (PDLC) layer 304. As is known in the art, PDLCs consist of liquid crystal
droplets that are dispersed in a solid polymer matrix. The liquid crystal droplets
can be on the order of a few microns in size and react to the application of an electric
field. The film layers 302A and 302B can be configured as transparent, conductive
layers that act as a capacitor when matrix is disposed therebetween. Power from a
power supply, such as from the controller 100 (FIG. 3) can be attached to electrodes
on the film layers 302A and 302B.
[0102] When no voltage is applied to the electrodes, the liquid crystals are randomly arranged
in the droplets, resulting in scattering of light as it passes from the first side
S1 to the second side S2. This can result in the tinting assembly 300 having an opaque
or semi-transparent appearance. When a voltage is applied across the electrodes, the
electric field causes the liquid crystals to align, allowing light to pass through
the droplets with very little scattering as the light passes from the first side S1
to the second side S2. Thus, the tinting assembly 300 can have a clear or semi-transparent
appearance. The level of transparency can be related to the voltage applied across
the electrodes of the film layers 302A and 302B. The voltage applied across the electrodes
can be controlled at the controller 100 by an operator of the cart 10.
[0103] Tinting apparatus 300 can be activated into a transparent or semi-transparent state
in order to allow a surgeon or other medical staff to view the contents of container
18, such as during the performance of a medical procedure or other situations. Thus,
the capacity of the container or the condition of the medical waste can be determined.
As mentioned previously, the tinting apparatus 300 can be put into an opaque or semi-transparent
state to conceal or hide the contents of the body 19 from being visible. The tinting
apparatus 300 can remain in such a state in order to prevent viewing of medical waste,
which can sometimes have an unpleasant appearance, when a patient is awake or conscious
within an operating room, when cart 10 is in a public place, such as a hallway of
a hospital, or other situations.
[0104] Although described with respect to PDLCs, the tinting assembly 300 can comprise any
mechanism that converts between being transparent or semi-transparent in one state
and opaque or semi-transparent in another state on demand. The tinting assembly 300
can utilize technologies such as electrochromic, photochromic, thermochromic, suspended
particle, micro-blind and polymer dispersed liquid crystal devices to change the appearance
of tinting assembly 300 from clear to opaque.
[0105] The tinting assembly 300 can comprise a tinting assembly commercially available from
Glass Apps, LLC or Smart Tint, Inc., or another commercial supplier of tinting assemblies.
[0106] FIG. 31 is a schematic circuit diagram of fluid waste collection system 400 having
a secondary vacuum level detection system 402. The system 400 can include a vacuum
pump 404, a filter element 406, a processor 407, suction regulators 408A and 408B,
control valves 410A and 410B, manifolds 412A and 412B, and tubing 414A and 414B. The
secondary vacuum level detection system 402 can include safety transducers 416A and
416B. System 400 can be constructed and operate in a similar fashion as vacuum line
system 200 of FIG. 2, with the addition of secondary vacuum level detection system
402.
[0107] During operation of the system 400, the vacuum pump 404 can operate to draw vacuums
at the tubing 414A and 414B. Fluid from a patient can be drawn into the tubing 414A
and 414B and into the manifolds 412A and 412B. Air continues to be drawn into the
control valves 410A and 410B, the suction regulators 408A and 408B and the filter
element 406 as the vacuum pump 404 generates the suction. Fluid drawn through system
400 and pump 404 is deposited in container 18, as described herein, while passing
through manifolds 412A and 412B.
[0108] An operator or user of the system 400 can set a desired vacuum level to be achieved
at the tubing 414A and 414B via an input at the processor 407, which can be located
in the controller 100. The user input can determine the operational state of the control
valves 410A and 410B and the suction regulators 408A and 408B. The control valves
410A and 410B and the suction regulators 408A and 408B can operate in a similar manner
as valves 206 and suction regulator 214 as described with reference to FIG. 2, above.
For example, the vacuum pump 404 can typically run at full power when the system 400
is active, while control valves 410A and 410B are controlled by suction regulators
408A and 408B to reduce the suction or vacuum at the tubing 414A and 414B from full
power.
[0109] The safety transducers 416A and 416B can directly monitor the vacuum levels at the
tubing 414A and 414B. The transducers 416A and 416B can provide a signal to the processor
407 indicating the vacuum levels sensed at the tubing 414A and 414B. The processor
407 can compare the sensed vacuum levels at safety transducers 416A and 416B to the
user input provided at the processor 407, which is being controlled by the suction
regulators 408A and 408B and the control valves 410A and 410B. The safety transducers
416A and 416B can comprise suitable sensor as is known in the art.
[0110] If the sensed vacuum levels are higher than the user selected vacuum levels, the
processor 407 can take corrective action. In one example, the processor 407 can generate
a user alarm, such as an audio alarm or a visual alarm at the display 28 (FIG. 1).
In another example, the processor 407 can adjust the suction regulators 408A and 410B
and the control valves 410A and 410B, e.g. to restrict the opening of the control
valves 410A and 410B in order to match the sensed vacuum levels to the user selected
vacuum level. In another example, the processor 407 can shut-down operation of the
system 400 such as by stopping operation of the vacuum pump 404 or closing the control
valves 410A and 410B.
[0111] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure may be manifested
in a variety of forms other than the specific embodiments described and contemplated
herein. Accordingly, departure in form and detail may be made without departing from
the scope of the present disclosure as described in the appended claims.
Various Notes & Examples
[0112]
Example 1 can include or use subject matter such as a fluid waste container assembly
that can comprise: a container; a base forming a bottom for the container, the base
having an interior surface at least partially defining a drain opening; a lid assembly
providing selective access to an interior of the container; and wherein the interior
surface of the base extends along a ramped path.
Example 2 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Example
1, to optionally include a vacuum pump for producing suction in the container; a suction
regulator for regulating operation of the vacuum pump; and a vacuum level detection
system for sensing a vacuum level generated by the vacuum pump.
Example 3 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one
or any combination of Examples 1 or 2 to optionally include a fluid level sensor located
at least partially in the container; wherein the fluid level sensor senses a measure
related to an amount of fluid in the container.
Example 4 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one
or any combination of Examples 1 through 3 to optionally include and interior surface
that can extend along a helical path from a position adjacent to the fluid level sensor
to a position adjacent to the drain opening.
Example 5 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one
or any combination of Examples 1 through 4 to optionally include a base that can include
a spray opening at a central location of the base and the interior surface extends
along the ramped path from the spray opening and declining toward the drain opening.
Example 6 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one
or any combination of Examples 1 through 5 to optionally include a container that
can have a cylindrical body and the base engages the cylindrical body.
Example 7 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one
or any combination of Examples 1 through 6 to optionally include a container that
can further include a window; and a tinting assembly configured to selectively tint
the window.
Example 8 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one
or any combination of Examples 1 through 7 to optionally include a lid assembly that
can comprise a lid having a locking feature.
Example 9 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one
or any combination of Examples 1 through 8 to optionally include a locking feature
that can disengage the lid from the container in response to rotation of the lid.
Example 10 can include or use subject matter such as a medical waste fluid collection
container assembly that can comprise: a container that can have a first end and a
second end; a base enclosing the first end of the container; a lid assembly that can
comprise: a lid ring having a central opening, the lid ring engaging the second end
of the container; and a lid configured for engaging the lid ring via a twist lock
mechanism, the lid being configured to cover at least part of the central opening
when engaging the lid ring.
Example 11 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Example
10, to optionally include a twist lock mechanism that can include a flange on the
lid and a groove in the lid ring.
Example 12 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one
or any combination of Examples 10 or 11 to optionally include a groove that can include
a cam surface to lock the lid to the lid ring in response to rotational movement of
the lid in a locking direction.
Example 13 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one
or any combination of Examples 10 through 12 to optionally include a flange on the
lid that can include a stop mechanism that engages the lid ring to prevent further
rotational movement of the lid in a locking direction.
Example 14 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one
or any combination of Examples 10 through 13 to optionally include a lid ring that
can include a limit that engages the flange to prevent further rotational movement
of the lid in a locking direction.
Example 15 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one
or any combination of Examples 10 through 14 to optionally include a lid assembly
that can include a door providing access to the container through the lid.
Example 16 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one
or any combination of Examples 10 through 15 to optionally include a living hinge
that connects the door to the lid.
Example 17 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one
or any combination of Examples 10 through 16 to optionally include a base of the container
that can comprise: a drain opening; and an interior surface declining toward the drain
opening.
Example 18 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one
or any combination of Examples 10 through 17 to optionally include a container that
can include: a window; and a tinting assembly configured to selectively tint the window.
Example 19 can include or use subject matter such as a medical waste fluid collection
system that can comprise: a fluid collection cart including a container with a base
enclosing a bottom end of the container, the base having a drain opening; a lid assembly
that can comprise: a lid ring engaging one or more of the container and the fluid
collection cart; and a lid configured to removably engage the lid ring via rotation
of the lid relative to the lid ring; and a container that can comprise: a body; a
window in the body; and a tinting assembly configured to selectively tint the window.
Example 20 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Example
19, to optionally include one or more of the lid ring and the lid that can have a
cam surface configured to lock the lid to the lid ring in response to rotation of
the lid relative to the lid ring.
Example 21 can include or use subject matter such as a fluid waste container assembly
that can comprise: a container; a base forming a bottom for the container, the base
having an interior surface at least partially defining a drain opening; a lid assembly
providing selective access to an interior of the container; a vacuum pump for producing
suction in the container; a suction regulator for regulating operation of the vacuum
pump; and a vacuum level detection system for sensing a vacuum level generated by
the vacuum pump.
[0113] Each of these non-limiting examples can stand on its own, or can be combined in various
permutations or combinations with one or more of the other examples.
[0114] The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings,
which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration,
specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are
also referred to herein as "examples." Such examples can include elements in addition
to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples
in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present
inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those
elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect
to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other
examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.
[0115] In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents cited,
the usage in this document controls.
[0116] In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used, as is common in patent documents,
to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of "at
least one" or "one or more." In this document, the term "or" is used to refer to a
nonexclusive or, such that "A or B" includes "A but not B," "B but not A," and "A
and B," unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms "including" and "in
which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising"
and "wherein." Also, in the following claims, the terms "including" and "comprising"
are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process
that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are
still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims,
the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are
not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.
[0117] Method examples described herein can be machine or computer-implemented at least
in part. Some examples can include a computer-readable medium or machine-readable
medium encoded with instructions operable to configure an electronic device to perform
methods as described in the above examples. An implementation of such methods can
include code, such as microcode, assembly language code, a higher-level language code,
or the like. Such code can include computer readable instructions for performing various
methods. The code may form portions of computer program products. Further, in an example,
the code can be tangibly stored on one or more volatile, non-transitory, or nonvolatile
tangible computer-readable media, such as during execution or at other times. Examples
of these tangible computer-readable media can include, but are not limited to, hard
disks, removable magnetic disks, removable optical disks (e.g., compact disks and
digital video disks), magnetic cassettes, memory cards or sticks, random access memories
(RAMs), read only memories (ROMs), and the like.
[0118] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example,
the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination
with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in
the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with
37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical
disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret
or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description,
various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should
not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to
any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a
particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated
into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing
on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments
can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope
of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along
with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.